phollier,
Duke
B.S., Neuroscience
Always learning how to help others
Features Included
14
Essays
10
Schools
13
Scores
3
Advice
8
ECs
0
Sports
Background
Hometown
Houston, Texas
GenderMale
EthnicityWhite Non-Hispanic
Class of2022
First Gen College StudentNo
Results, Essays, and Advice
Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
-
Tap/click a school logo above to view essays and advice specific to that school.
Duke University (Durham, NC)
Applied for a B.S. in Neuroscience
Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: ParentSchool Specific Essays
Personal Statement658 WordsDeath of a loved one, Interest in med/sci/math, Overcoming a health obstacle, Overcoming personal struggle, Role model/inspiration, Volunteer/public interest workMy stomach painfully twists as I sit in the van driving back from my mission trip to Eagle Pass. This has happened to me before. It won’t last more than a week. The next two and half weeks proved me wrong. The pain intensified as the days passed, and every time I tried to eat, it made me more aware of the pain. “Pierce, we need to go to the hospital.” Before I knew it, I was in a...Read more...Personal Statement426 WordsAcademic achievement, Career aspirations, Development of personal values, Interest in med/sci/math, Interest in other academic subject, Leadership experience, Reaching a goalI spent the majority of my time after school, every weekend during the school year, and several weeks each summer debating. I chose debate because I wanted to further my academic interests beyond what I could learn in the classroom. It was important to me to learn more about what was going on in the world. The experience has been invaluable for several reasons. I learned how to handle defeat. During my freshman year, my partner and I competed on...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Strong beliefs/principles408 Words“To give and not to count the cost” -St. Ignatius of Loyola, The Prayer for Generosity I grew up with two physician parents and they were adamant that I live a life of service to others. My mother is spending her career working in public hospitals and my father is a leader for one of the world’s largest medical charities. I understand the quote because I watched it every day through my parents’ actions and those of my entire...Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay138 WordsTrinity College at Duke and Strake Jesuit share a strong academic environment and commitment to service that I hold in high esteem. I have known since elementary school that I wanted to be a physician like my parents. Duke’s Global Health Institute will give me the opportunity to study healthcare in the context of improving health across the world. Moreover, my father, has told me a great deal about the experiential learning in the Global Health major which would...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity375 Words
(300-400 Word limit)I am guided, not just by a motivation to tackle the problems of inequity and injustice, but to do so in a cooperative manner that results in enduring and effective solutions. I was sleeping on the floor of a brick sanctuary church in Eagle Pass, Texas just north of the Mexican border. I was there with a group of students and several adults to help a woman whose husband had recently died. He had struggled with chronic illness for the...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Strong beliefs/principles131 WordsI am most motivated to learn when I can apply the knowledge to help others, not just on an individual basis, but also on a systemic level where I can make lasting changes for the better. My most enjoyable learning experiences are those which involve building a strong base of knowledge and developing leadership skills. For example, to found my charity, I spent weeks reading material detailing the process for founding a nonprofit organization, corresponding with compliance agencies, and reading...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest248 WordsThe 1995 movie, Outbreak, directed by Wolfgang Petersen is one of my favorite movies of all time (despite a 59% Rotten Tomatoes rating). I found the investigation of disease spread in populations fascinating. The movie follows the progress of a variation of a hemorrhagic fever virus originating in the “Motaba River Valley” as it spreads through a small American town. It portrays the science behind tracking the origin of a disease so that a vaccine could be developed. I found the science...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest463 WordsAs long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a physician. Studying at the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania will give me the specialized knowledge base I need to pursue a medical degree, and allow me explore a wide range of other fields and learning opportunities to ensure that I am well-rounded. I am interested in a biology major and appreciate the various concentrations that are offered within that major. Ever since I...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance243 WordsHasan Minhaj said something that caught my attention in his comedy monologue at the last White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He said, “we’re living in a strange time when trust is more important than truth”. While this quote is from a performance that was anything but serious, it carries a concerning message. I deeply value the trust of others and I want my relationships to be ones of mutual trust. To me, truth and trust go hand in hand and...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school252 WordsI would bring to UNC, not just a motivation to tackle the problems of inequity and injustice, but an understanding of how to foster effective communication and cooperation to bring a complex goal within reach. During Spring break of my junior year, I went on a trip to Eagle Pass, Texas and stayed in a sanctuary church. I was there with classmates to help a woman whose husband had recently died. He had struggled with chronic illness for the last...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school519 WordsMy stomach painfully twists as I sit in the van driving back from my mission trip to Eagle Pass. I thought to myself, "This has happened to me before. It won't last more than a week." The next two and half weeks proved me wrong. The pain intensified as the days passed, and every time I tried to eat, it made me more aware of the pain. “Pierce, we need to go to the hospital.” Before I knew it, I...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Strong beliefs/principles717 WordsMy family taught me that facing serious obstacles and loss doesn't mean giving up. When you come upon a mountain, you only need resolve and commitment to climb it. Most recently, I have faced two major obstacles that have changed my entire life. The first obstacle came at the end of my mission trip to Eagle Pass, Texas. I could feel my stomach painfully twisting as I sat in the van headed back to Houston. I thought, "This has happened...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school432 Words“To whom much is given, much is expected” I grew up with two physician parents and they were adamant that I live by this quote. My mother grew up in a chemical mining town on the edge of a dry lake and my father spent his early years living in the Basin Street housing projects in New Orleans, Louisiana. They both did extremely well and have provided me with incredible opportunities. I have always understood that I could not squander...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school439 WordsI bring to Rice not just a motivation to tackle the problems of inequity and injustice, but an appreciation of these problems as well. I was sleeping on the floor of a sprawling brick church in Eagle Pass, Texas just north of the Mexican border. I was there with classmates to help a woman whose husband had recently died. He had struggled with chronic illness for the last several years of his life. His illness had prevented him from fixing...Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay197 WordsBeing born and raised in Houston, I have admired Rice as long as I can remember. From jogging the track around the University, to riding through the beautiful campus with my father, my parents told me that they would be incredibly happy if I pursued my education at Rice, as I would attending one of the best institutions in the country. My first significant and personal experience with Rice University was a Public Humanities tour during my sophomore year. This...Read more...School Specific Advice
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General Admissions Advice
My advice about getting recommenders79 WordsYou should definitely try to get recommendations from someone with whom you did volunteer or research work. That is the top priority. The next...Read more...What set me apart from other applicants59 WordsI had a focus going into my applications. I would not suggest hedging your bets on one topic...Read more...How to deal with the stress of applying to college80 WordsDo everything early. If you finish your essays with months to go, then you'll be alright. You will have plenty of time to edit...Read more...High School Performance
Weighted GPA4.38(equivalent to 4.00 unweighted)RankTop 1%
Test Scores
Highest ACT33ACT Score DetailsOther ACT ScoresACT Prep
Highest SAT1470SAT Score DetailsOther SAT ScoresSAT Prep
PSAT Scores
AP / IB Classes and Scores
Details10 classes and scoresSports
Extracurriculars
ActivitiesDebate Club/Team, Spanish Club, Other Club/Activity, Research, Research, Research, School Newspaper/Magazine/Journalism, Nonprofit, NGO or Charitable Organization
Experience & Awards
Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
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